Stripe joined the League’s Sponsor Program in 2002. Stripe is an adult, grey Tabby that North Shore Animal League America took in as an abandoned kitten. Very early on, the League could tell that Stripe was living with a heart murmur. An echocardiogram revealed that Stripe’s heart murmur is so serious, he needs to take medication twice a day to regulate his heart activity most likely for the rest of this life. His prognosis is guarded at best. Luckily Stripe has been placed in a foster care home, while he waits for someone to come along and become his owner and take him home to his forever home. Stripe’s condition will require frequent check-ups and close monitoring. Sponsors like you can truly make a difference in Stripe’s life and the lives of all the animals in our Sponsor Program. Won’t you please considering making a real difference today?

Stripe's Updates

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3rd Quarter 2008
Stripe is simply enjoying life! His heart condition remains under control and he continues to take his daily medication without a struggle. He acts like he’s feeling better and better each day. If he’s not playing with the water faucet in the kitchen sink, then you can be sure to find him nestled on his favorite chair in the house where the sun keeps him happy enough to snooze for hours at a time. Thank you for being Stripe’s Sponsor. Without your committed support, we may not be able to give the necessary care to Stripe that enables him to live a wonderful quality of life.

2nd Quarter 2008
Stripe is extremely affectionate these days. He follows his foster family wherever they go within the house. They can tell that he still misses his best friend, Bernice the cat. Stripe takes his medicine like a champ. He loves to sleep on the chair in one of the bedrooms where the sun sets and loves to tease the family dog. He also enjoys drinking from the tap in the kitchen and often times, that will make it very difficult for his foster mother to cook!

1st Quarter 2008
Our happy and often bossy cat, Stripe, is doing quite well. He continues to take his oral medicine twice a day and keep up with his special diet. The cold months of winter are upon us and that means Stripe’s favorite place to rest is on top of the warm radiator. When parched, his foster mother tells us, Stripe can be found enjoying a drink from the bath tub faucet! His foster mom tells us that he is obsessed with water. Recently, he wanted to get a hold of a saucer of water so badly, that he tipped over the plant that was on top of it and broke a favorite planter. We know you’re sorry Stripe, and we forgive you!

4th Quarter 2007
Stripe has been frequenting the doctor’s office recently, just getting some regular tests and blood work done. His foster mom says it’s always an ordeal when Stripe gets examined. The doctor barely has time to finish the procedure with all Stripe’s anxious fussing. Stripe has to wear a cat muzzle, and manages to escape from it several times! Stripe has been back and forth to the doctor so many times by now that he’s an old pro and a master escape artist. Maybe he should change his name to Houdini!

3rd Quarter 2007
Sweet Stripe recently had a loss in the family, and his sadness is noticeable. Luckily, there are animals and people around to help with the loneliness. We know Stripe will be feeling better soon, and wish him the best in mending his broken little heart.

2nd Quarter 2007
Stripe has been quite the gentleman recently. No major “cat”astrophes is always a relief. Though always mischievous, he’s been quite content being a good boy. Spending his time playing and pouncing, purring and dozing, Stripe has been keeping a pretty low profile. On behalf of Stripe and all the other animals in the sponsor program, we would like to thank all of you for your generous support. Without your help, they wouldn’t be able to have our help.

1st Quarter 2007
Stripe is the Master of Mischief. You can almost see him pondering what he can sharpen his claws on next or what looks like fun to knock over. He keeps his foster mom on her toes! Stripe's heart medication seems to keep his condition stable, and allows him to pounce like a healthy kitten. The extravagant kitty fountain in his kitchen still provides a cool drink for him and his foster brothers and sisters. The radiators continue to give him a warm spot to nap. He is so lucky to have a caring sponsor like you.

4th Quarter 2006
Stripe is one tabby who's been great about continuing to take his medication. His last visit to the League's medical center revealed no changes in his heart condition and that is the best news we can ever receive! He is still as spunky as ever and that includes destroying the furniture and carpets with his nails! His newest target was his foster Mom's Grandmother's antique chair, oh no! It wouldn't be a Stripe update if we weren't telling you about something mischievous he's recently done, right?!

3rd Quarter 2006
Over the months and years, we've told you about Stripe's wonderful if not domineering personality. If he's not picking on one of the other cats in his house, then he's picking on the dog. Lots of times he's been known to give his foster mom a run for her money when she's trying to medicate him, but we love the spunk that makes up so much of Stripe's personality. Lately in the mornings, all the cats in the house have been hanging around the fridge because they know their foster mom is going to hand out some nice ham to everyone. Stripe's piece has to be the biggest, though, because if it's too small and he can eat it too quickly, he'll try to steal the other's pieces! He's still the little devil he always was, just with no changes in his cardiac problems. We are so thankful for that and to you for helping to make Stripe's life normal and content. We couldn't do that without your help!

2nd Quarter 2006
Stripe just loves the dog in his house - loves to antagonize him that is! Stripe is always looking for an opportunity to swipe at the poor pooch when he's walking by unsuspectingly. And what's more? Stripe likes to eat his food, the little devil! He comes running when the dog is being fed like it's his turn to chow down! This is when his foster mom can grab him and administer his meds so it's not such a bad set up. Stripe is also a big fan of tuna and ham in addition to dog food, what a palate! His foster mom doesn't let him have too much of that though, knowing too much of a good thing will spoil his sensitive tummy. He's recovering from some dermatitis, or skin inflammation, around the ears. A topical cream is helping to clear it up. Stripe's heart murmur is still being monitored and has not shown any changes. We are very glad he is doing so well!

1st Quarter 2006
Stripe really seems to be running the household as of late. On the one hand we’re happy to hear that his energy level is up but this may be much to the dismay of the other cats in the house! He seems to be chasing everyone around and sometimes he’s not always so gentle when he catches up to them! His foster care Mom is right there to referee though. It is always great to hear when our Sponsor animals have a lot of energy; we know they are feeling well. We know Stripe must be feeling great because in addition to chasing everyone throughout the house, he’s been enjoying sampling his canine brother’s food! Stripe truly is a mischievous cat!

December 2005
Stripe is due for an echocardiogram within the next few weeks. Right now he is doing well but we always need to keep a close eye on his progress to head off any potential problems as they arise. We are hoping Stripe will be a gentleman during his test but know that the chances of that are pretty slim. For a cat with a serious heart condition he sure does have a lot of spunk to him. Despite the difficulties we have with him in the exam room, we are certainly happy he has such strength and high spirits. One thing Stripe doesn’t put up a fight over is taking his medicine. He is well behaved for his medicine because he gets a treat at the end. What a good boy! Thank you for giving Stripe and the other special needs animals a chance at happiness. You are truly a hero to them.

November 2005
Stripe hasn’t been his usual self lately – he’s not getting into any trouble and he dozes more frequently. He still eats well, but his behavior has his foster care Mom concerned – she’ll be keeping a close eye on him. If Stripe doesn’t improve in the next few days, he’ll come to the Medical Center for a check-up. We truly appreciate your unwavering support for Stripe and the other special needs animals. Your generosity allows them to receive the best possible care – thank you.

October 2005
Now that the cooler weather is here, Stripe’s not certain what to do first – run from window to window watching the birds while getting some fresh air, chase the papers that get blown about by the incoming breeze, or run through the curtains billowing in the wind. Needless to say, after all this activity Stripe is one tired kitty – and usually takes a good two hour nap before starting all over again. All that exercise is great – as long as Stripe doesn’t over exert his heart. Thank you for all your love and support. It is because of you that Stripe and the other special needs animals are living happier and healthier lives.

September 2005
Stripe’s foster care Mom got tired of chasing Stripe down to get him to take his medicine, so she started giving him treats when he took it. Now Stripe practically asks for his medicine! Stripe continues to do what he does best – declaring his dominance as King of his castle. He’s constantly reminding the other cats in the house – with a swat or a hiss -- that he’s in charge. If only his foster care Mom could figure out a way to get him to be nicer with a treat incentive – hopefully Stripe will mellow some as he ages. Thank you for your continued support of the Sponsor Program. It is because of you that we are able to provide Stripe with lots of love, attention, and medical care.

August 2005
Stripe has had enough of this heat and humidity – every day he tries to find the coolest spot in the house and then proceeds to sleep the day away. Since he’s napping more during the day, he’s prowling around at night – when everyone else is trying to sleep. His foster care Mom hears Stripe’s antics as she tries to get some shut-eye – he’s either chasing another animal in the house, or leaping from one piece of furniture (the higher the better) to another. In the morning, Mom finds all kinds of evidence of Stripe’s nocturnal handiwork – and she finds an angelic-looking Stripe sleeping peacefully, all worn out from his nightly activities. But that’s okay; she loves Stripe in spite of his actions! You are an integral part of the lives of Stripe and the other special needs animals. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

July 2005
In spite of the heat, Stripe is still full of spunk and vigor. He continues to try and keep everyone in line – including a large dog. Sometimes the other cats in his house will have had enough of Stripe and will let him know it with a swat to the nose. When that happens, Stripe retreats to the cool tiles in the bathroom to recharge and doze – sometimes for a few hours. The other cats in the house really love the quiet time! Despite his high energy, he still has a heart problem that can put a damper on his activity level. We of course watch him carefully for any change in his condition. Thank you for giving Stripe and the other special needs animals a new leash on life. Their beginnings may have been bleak, but thanks to you their futures look bright.

June 2005
Stripe just loves giving Miaya, a feline in the house with orthopedic problems, a tough time. Stripe’s caregiver tries to redirect his energy towards toys or the birds out the window. But Stripe prefers to “stir” things up – and will eventually work his way back to poor Miaya. It’s hard to believe that Stripe needs two medications to keep his heart condition under control – he’s as feisty as ever! Thank you for giving Stripe and the other special needs animals a second chance. Your kindness makes all the difference in their lives.

May 2005
To see Stripe, you'd never guess he had a serious heart problem. He runs around nonstop, playing with everyone and everything. Even his foster care Mom has to remind herself of his condition, and will occasionally catch Stripe and try to settle him down on her lap. But Stripe won't slow down for long. He's a cat with a mission - to enjoy every moment given him to its fullest. Thank you for giving Stripe and the other special needs animals a chance at happiness. You are truly a hero to them.

April 2005
Those with dogs in their home know that there is always a top dog, or Alpha dog. The same can be true for cats. But in Stripe’s case, not only does he want to be top cat; he wants to be in charge of everyone, including the dog. Sometimes Stripe can become so aggressive in his quest for power that his Mom has to settle him down. Luckily, the dog in the house is very docile and loves Stripe – even though Stripe rules the house with an iron paw. Your support of Stripe and the other special needs animals is truly appreciated by us all. We couldn’t care for them without you. Thank you.

March 2005
Usually when Stripe visits the Medical Center he becomes very aggressive -- swatting and hissing at everyone. It's so bad that we often wonder whether everyone will still have all ten fingers when we finish examining him. So you can imagine how pleasantly surprised we were when he behaved like a perfect gentleman during his latest check-up. And, if that wasn't good enough news, the results of that exam showed no progression in his heart disease. Isn't that wonderful? Thank you so much for caring about Stripe and the other special needs animals. Your generosity allows them to lead as normal a life as possible.

February 2005
Stripe has not been himself lately, spending most of his days eating and sleeping. He's not even picking on any of his foster care housemates - and that's really not like him. Stripe is up in the middle of the night, however, keeping his foster care parents and everyone else awake. His foster care Mom is determined to get him back on a more manageable schedule of sleep and play - those night hours are taking their toll on everyone. We truly appreciate your continued support of Stripe and the other special needs animals. It is because of you that we can provide them with the best possible care.

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